Fifth suspect arrested in Winton homicide

A fifth suspect has been arrested in the Winton shooting death of 33-year-old Francisco Pena. Arturo Morfin, 24, was arrested by Redding police about 4 p.m. Saturday where he worked, according to Deputy Delray Shelton, Merced County Sheriff’s spokesman.

A fifth suspect has been arrested in the Winton shooting death of 33-year-old Francisco Pena.

Arturo Morfin, 24, was arrested by Redding police about 4 p.m. Saturday where he worked, according to Deputy Delray Shelton, Merced County Sheriff’s spokesman. He is being held at the Shasta County Jail and likely will be sent back to Merced County this week.

Merced County Sheriff’s detectives believe Pena was killed as the result of a power struggle within the gang. His death was orchestrated Dec. 23 when he was “lured” to an apartment complex in the 6900 block of Myrtle Avenue and shot numerous times, detectives said.

According to reports filed in Merced County Superior Court, detectives found shell casings at the scene “consistent with an SKS or AK-47-style assault rifle” and 12-gauge shotgun shells.

Fernando Luna, 24; his brother Julian Luna, 31, and Elias Vera, 21, all of Winton; and 17-year-old Ricardo Romo Jr. of Atwater have all been charged with murder in connection with Pena’s death, according to court records.

Romo is being charged as an adult.

Pena’s family members have said he was a “dropout” gang member who hadn’t been active in more than a decade.